With the move to Mission Bay, pediatric urologists at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital now have regular access 
Robotic arms are prepped prior to surgery allowing manipulation of the instruments through mini laparoscopic incisions
to a robot in the surgical suite. This allows them to perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures for many types of upper urinary tract reconstructions, reducing recovery time and scar size for young patients.
The robotic system allows the surgeon to maintain a full range of hand and wrist motion, even when working within the confines of small minimally invasive incisions. Sitting at a console, the urologist can transfer his or her own movements to the robot’s arms to perform complex procedures that would otherwise require an open incision.
Dr. Baskin controls the robotic instruments from the counsel
According to Laurence Baskin, MD, chief of pediatric urology, the robot is regularly used for pyeloplasty, in which a blocked ureter is reconstructed to prevent damage to a child’s kidneys. This relatively common procedure requires only three small incisions when performed with the robot, as opposed to a flank incision. Patients typically return home within 48 hours and can resume regular activities in a matter of days rather than weeks.
For more information and appointments, visit http://urology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/children.